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Board backs county testimony supporting SB 837 to broaden volunteer deployment and eligibility
Summary
The board authorized staff to provide written testimony supporting Senate Bill 837 changes that would expand Medical Reserve Corps eligibility, allow year‑round deployment outside declared emergencies and clarify health screening and out‑of‑state deployment rules for volunteers.
Deschutes County public health staff asked the board to support amendments to state law governing the Medical Reserve Corps (Servor) that expand membership eligibility to include non‑licensed administrative and support volunteers, allow year‑round service without a declared state emergency, clarify health‑screening authority and explicitly permit out‑of‑state deployment under mutual‑aid arrangements.
Emily Horton, public health manager for preparedness and environmental health, told the board the county’s MRC includes many non‑licensed volunteers who perform critical tasks during local incidents (check‑in, logistics, shelters). The proposed changes in SB 837 would reduce legal barriers and expand the state’s ability to register and deploy volunteers where needed.
After discussion, the board unanimously directed staff to submit level‑2 (priority) support testimony for SB 837 and to provide the bill office with the written comments prepared by the county’s MRC coordinator.
